Nigeria: INEC urged to clarify downloadable PVC process for upcoming elections
via Punch Nigeria4 min read
The introduction of downloadable Permanent Voter Cards PVCs in Nigeria, enabled by the Electoral Act 2026, was hailed as a significant step towards electoral inclusion, particularly benefiting young people and persons with disabilities who frequently face barriers to accessing physical PVCs. The INEC Chairman, Prof Joash Amupitan, confirmed that voters using downloadable PVCs would be eligible for the upcoming gubernatorial elections in Ekiti and Osun states, and the 2027 general elections. However, with the Ekiti gubernatorial elections less than 10 days away, and the continuous voter registration for the 2027 general election nearing its July 30 end date, INEC has not yet provided clear instructions on how eligible voters can access, download, print, or use these digital PVCs. This lack of information could lead to confusion and prevent voters from utilizing the new provision during the 2026 off-cycle gubernatorial elections in Ekiti and Osun, and the 2027 general elections. While INEC's regulations and guidelines for the conduct of elections 2026 already recognize both physical and downloadable PVCs as acceptable for accreditation, there is currently no public website or application for downloading them. Recommendations include that citizens, especially youth, who have damaged their PVCs should apply to INEC at least 90 days before polling day for a downloadable PVC. Additionally, INEC is urged to promptly provide information on eligibility, access through a secure portal,
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
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